Lifestyle: Live the Lovely Life

Lifestyle: How to live a lovely life ... in style!

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Natural Preservative Skincare: Serum Ceuticals Vitamin C 21% Facial Serum

April 4, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Serum Ceuticals Vitamin C 21% Facial Serum is a full force, fresh 21% Vitamin C Serum but in a special natural base with NO PRESERVATIVES. If you don’t want to use chemicals or preservatives in your skin care but still want a powerful Vitamin C treatment, this is the Serum for you.

But it should be noted that ANY natural Vitamin C will degrade faster than one with preservatives and may not appear as potent as chemically laden serums.

WHY USE VITAMIN C SERUM?

Vitamin C Serum is an important tool in battling the appearance of aging skin. This is because Vitamin C is a vital ingredient in the bodies production of collagen. Collagen, the main component of the supporting tissue that keeps skin from sagging and wrinkling, slows down production within our early thirties. The more collagen we have, the younger our skin looks. To get as much collagen as possible, you need Vitamin C available to the cells of the skin. But Vitamin C from our diet or vitamins leaves the body quickly, meaning it is only available to the skin for vital collagen production in short bursts. This is why the topical application of Vitamin C is important, even if your diet is rich in Vitamin C.

Vitamin C also helps with reducing the appearance of sun damage, acne scars, wrinkles, and brown spots.

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT SERUM CEUTICALS VITAMIN C?

A good, powerful topical Vitamin C Serum is an elusive find for those who avoid chemical preservatives in skincare. Vitamin C requires preservatives and chemicals to keep it from quickly degrading. A Vitamin C without lots of chemicals and preservatives does not last long and is generally not very powerful by the time the consumer uses it.

Vitamin C is water soluble and normally requires all kinds of chemicals and preservatives to sustain it for topical use. Serum Ceuticals suspends the Vitamin C in a serum WITHOUT any nasty chemicals â€“ they use glutathione acid, ferulic acid, and the Vitamin C itself is charged with argon and nitrogen gases and kept in a tightly sealed bottle. When the cap is removed the first time, the bottle releases a sort of fizz, almost like a carbonated beverage, because of the partial release of this charge upon opening the bottle. All of this means the production of a fresh and potent Vitamin C in a natural base, which is an accomplishment.

Serum Ceuticals has No Chemical Preservatives, only a Natural Preservative. Amazing!

But the test is if it works: The Vitamin C serum is potent but not an irritant as there are several good ingredients to balance the Vitamin C and soothe skin including hyaluronic acid and polysorbate-20. Hyaluronic acid retains moisture, helping the Vitamin C to absorb and for skin to remain smooth. It also prevents the serum from feeling sticky once it is dry. I really like this combo in a Vitamin C serum. My skin looked very dewy, which I like for a daytime serum. The vitamin Bs used to charges Vitamin C are also very good for the skin. It did take a little longer to dry than some other serums, so I just apply after I shower and while I dry my hair before I apply my makeup. My acne was drying out but my skin stayed supple and does not become irritated. I was very pleased!

It has a very light neutral scent that would not be noticeable to others, a just slightly longer dry-down and it leaves a dewy but not sticky finish.

I would recommend this serum, especially for those conscious of the chemicals and additives they use on their face, and would buy it again. If you are someone who doesn’t mind preservatives in skin care products, you may find other serums that are stronger than this one. Using a natural Vitamin B charge to keep the Vitamin C fresh is a very innovate idea for natural, organic skincare regimens.

Find it at Amazon.com.

Serum Ceuticals Vitamin C Serum

I received this item in exchange for my unbiased review.

Tea Tuesday: Chuester UpCup 14oz Travel Mug

March 29, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I drink tea all day long, and on the mornings when I have a long commute, I relish a cup of tea to keep me energized and hydrated. The Chuester UpCup 14oz Travel Mug is a great way to carry my tea on the go and enjoy it all through the day.

The UpCup is made of double walled glass, and I found that it keeps my tea warm for a decent length of time. This is important to me: my office’s runs on the cold side and tea that I brew in a regular mug gets tepid fast. If I brew a cup and then get immersed in a lengthy e-mail, sometimes I end up not getting a single hot sip off of a tea brew. With the UpCup, tea stays warm for long enough that I can linger over a cup and enjoy it hot. The outside stays tepid to the touch so it isnt uncomfortable. Its not 100% cool but it is in keeping with the heat distribution of a comfortable china mug or insulated thermal mug.

The mug has a nice grip to it, which is important in a travel mug and especially important in a glass travel mug. I donâ€™t tend to travel light so being able to hold my purse, briefcase, and not have to be ginger with the mug is nice. Another appealing feature of the mug is the opening on the lid. I find that drinking tea out of a travel mug to be a frequently cumbersome experience when the opening is too narrow. The opening on the UpCup is wide enough to take a nice slow slip without a gush of hot tea in your mouth or an annoying sputter.

I am impressed that the mug doesnâ€™t retain taste: I can use it for coffee and then wash it out and not have any lingering coffee or cream taste when I use it for a nuanced white tea.

This mug is amazing for blooming teas: those lovely bundles of tea that unfurl into a colorful flower when they brew. Itâ€™s a shame to just admire the bloom for a moment and then toss it. Since itâ€™s made of glass, you can leave the bloom in the mug to admire. Since most blooming teas have several brews in them, you can just add more hot water to the mug and enjoy both the taste and the view of the bloom in your mug. The fact that the mug comes in pink and mint, two colors that compliment the beautiful, subtle colors of fine teas, is a lovely added bonus.

I also love the fact that the mug is chemical free. Part of why I drink tea is for is the many health benefits. It doesnâ€™t make sense to negate the benefits with BPA or other health hazards, so I can enjoy my tea far more knowing that Iâ€™ll be getting the health benefits of the tea but not the risks that come with other travel mugs.

I am very impressed with the Chuester UpCup. It is attractive, highly usable, and works great for a mobile lifestyle.

Chuester UpCup

Find the Chuester UpCup at http://www.chuester.com.

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and I was compensated for my time and effort, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

NOVICA Lapis Lazuli and Dyed Blue Calcite Beaded Necklace, 15.5″ with 2″ Extender, ‘Blue Muse’

March 11, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I was drawn to the Blue Muse necklace because I like to wear blues such as cobalt and royal, but these deeply saturated shades can sometimes be difficult to accessorize, so I like the idea of a mixed gemstone piece. And I really like the saturated color of a gemstone because it adds nice color to an outfit and some interest and can be dressed up or down. This particular necklace pairs nicely with this Italian dress I am wearing in the photo with a bare scoop neckline. Iâ€™ve been trying to find just the right accessories for several months and I really like the look of this choker because not only do the colors match, but also there is texture to the necklace, which seems right with the dress fabric. And in looking in my closet at my general wardrobe, there are several other items that could match these colors amongst both my dressy clothes and my more casual going to brunch or museum type outfits that just need a little character.

NOVICA Lapis Lazuli and Dyed Blue Calcite Beaded Necklace Blue Muse

About the Necklace
The gemstone pattern is about ½ inch wide, which is not large enough to be clunky yet it is also not too thin, so it is dainty and ladylike but still enough to make a statement and be noticed without being overpowering. I like the combination of the blues, the two colors play the saturation of the hues of the other stone nicely, and there is generous use of the gemstones.

It is basically choker length. There is an optional 2 inch extra extender “drop” for the length to accommodate neck size or make the necklace a bit longer if needed. You can wear this hanging down the back of the neck for interest, you can extend the length of the necklace, or leave it off entirely.

NOVICA Lapis Lazuli and Dyed Blue Calcite Beaded Necklace Blue Muse

Some details:
It is a silver plate base, hand tied stonework.

The necklace has lapis lazuli (the darker blue color) and calcite (the lighter blue color) gemstones. The lapis lazuli stones are two shapes of gemstone. The calcite, as seen in the photos, are clustered.

There is a lobster claw clasp, so I am not afraid of the clasp coming undone. But, and this is the one and only thing I sort of dislike, it is a difficult clasp to secure on oneself because the eye of the loop is small. Since this is a handmade item, perhaps that is just mine. If you find this to be the case with yours as well, just give it a little check just to make sure the clasp is closed after you put on the necklace.

The irregularity of stones adds interest and texture, but they are not damaged, chipped or scratched gemstones. The irregularity does not seem uneven, the stones are of the same size but appear crafted.

The thread is dyed silver, which I like on the clusters to have a hint of metallic and not bare white or clear thread. It looks richer and does not distract from the beadwork itself.

The lapis lazuli gemstones appear to be lightly buffed but not a fake or shellac type of shiny

This particular necklace comes in an attractive patterned and thick jewelry pouch that will keep the necklace safe from scratches while stored away and is also an attractive bag that makes for nice packaging if giving this necklace as a gift, and inner plastic bags.

This is a versatile piece that would match the style of women of various ages, useful as a gift.

NOVICA Lapis Lazuli and Dyed Blue Calcite Beaded Necklace Blue Muse

About Novica

I received the Novica print catalog for years and always like seeing the unique, handmade items on their website. I enjoy owning items that are distinctive, use quality materials, are well-crafted, and not the exact same thing that everyone else is wearing.

I own a few Novica jewelry pieces and artisan glassware, the handcrafted quality is always evident and Novica makes it a company mission to treat their artists well. Each piece has a small autobiography of the artist, which is interesting to read their stories of how they came to hone their artisan skills and often some details about customs from the region they live, as well as some information about the materials used in the making of the artisans item, such as if those gemstones hold special meaning, or if they are indigenous to the region. Many of the artists are women.

NOVICA Lapis Lazuli and Dyed Blue Calcite Beaded Necklace Blue Muse

The Essentials of Essential Oils Part 1: Organic Carrier Oil Gift Set for Hair, Face & Body

February 28, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Today we’re starting a series on Essential Oils and Carrier Oils, and how to use them to make your beauty routine more effective and enjoyable. First up, we’ll be reviewing a lovely Carrier Oil Mixing Set we received.

The Gio Naturals Organic Carrier Oil Gift Set for Hair, Face & Body contains four bottles of carrier oils and one empty bottle to mix your own concoction, and is great for both as a gift and as a starter kit into DIY beauty oils The four carrier oils are Jojoba, Argan, Castor and Tamanu, which makes for a very versatile set. Here is an overview of each oil, its’ uses, and the quality and presentation of these particular oils.

Jojoba Oil is one of my favorites. I use this to both help other oils penetrate into hair and because it fills the hair shaft in porous hair. Helps repair heat damage, great for scalp problems like dandruff. Very soothing. If I have a free day, I apply Jojoba earlier in the day and let that sit for a bit, then apply other oils or conditioners atop the Jojoba. A small amount of Jojoba can be used on the ends of hair for styling and protecting, it is not greasy. Similar benefits to olive oil for scalp but it is much easier to wash Jojoba out of the hair. If you are a “No ‘poo” shampooer, you will definitely like Jojoba over olive oil for scalp conditioning. Adds shine. Unscented and absorbs easily. I found the quality of this particular brand to be unscented, thick, and rich and a nice rich golden color.

Jojoba is also very nice as a facial moisturizer, especially if you oily skin, as it is very close to sebum, so it helps the skin regulate itself.

Argan Oil is for the repair of damaged follicles and for hair loss. Argan is the popular buzz word in many products these days, but for hair, the real value is to apply it to the scalp. Personally I don’t find much value to Argan in the length of my hair, but many prefer it to other conditioning oils. I do find it beneficial for nail beds to retain moisture on my nails that split and crack easily. It is also good on cracked, dry skin on feet, and for stretch marks. This particular bottle has a warm, nutty scent, but it is light enough to not be noticed, especially when combined with other oils.

Castor Oil thickens thinning hair and acts as a humectant for frizzy hair. Also useful for eyelash growth/conditioning. Apply to a cotton swab and blink your eyelashes over the tip to avoid getting it in your eyes. Also good for conditioning eyebrows. This bottle was thick, golden and no scent.

Tamanu Oil was unfamiliar to me, in doing some research it is used for skin conditions such as cold sores, psoriasis, eczema, acne scars, general scars, burns, stings, stretch marks, mosquito bites, toenail fungus, dry scalp and flaky, scaly or overly dry skin. Tamanu oil is also topical healing agent with antineuralgic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antioxidant properties. Unlike Jojoba, there is a definite scent to Tamanu, sort of a mesquite smell. It is not terrible, but it would conflict with a floral scent perfume. It is however, less of a scent than some topical ointments. There is a greenish tint to the golden color; a very tiny bit goes a long way.
The fifth bottle in this set is the white Blender bottle to mix your own combinations. A good example might be 3 parts Argan Oil with 1 part Castor Oil for applying to the scalp to reduce dandruff and encourage hair growth, and add a couple drops of Jojoba to help the mix penetrate into the scalp and to condition the scalp skin.

The oils also mix nicely with sugar scrubs and to ramp up your basic facial moisturizers.

Gio Naturals Organic Carrier Oil Gift Set